On Aug. 31, 2023, at about 7:21 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Clam Beach northern parking lot for the report of an assault.

Deputies contacted a 56-year-old male victim who had sustained moderate injuries as a result of being pepper sprayed and physically assaulted. According to the victim, a male unknown to him, later identified as 33-year-old Russell John Brittan, approached the victim in the parking lot and attacked him unprovoked. Brittan then fled.

Deputies located Brittan walking in the area of Clam Beach Drive. He was taken into custody without incident. During a search of Brittan, deputies located the pepper spray canister.

Brittan was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of use of tear gas (PC 22810(e)(1)), assault (PC 240) and battery (PC 242).

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

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Russell John Brittan Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility